Bill would give Gov. more power to make cuts

State lawmakers are proposing a new bill that would give Governor Beverly Perdue emergency powers to make cuts where she currently has no authority.

Last week, Governor Perdue announced that she had asked for that authority. On Tuesday, the Senate took the first step toward making it happen, by filing the Balanced Budget Act of 2011.

Senate President Pro-tem Phil Berger said Perdue met with leaders from both chambers Monday night. They agreed she would make $400-million in additional cuts before the next cycle begins this summer. Perdue believes she can get to that number without making major cuts. “When you go to the big cuts, much more than 5-percent, you cut people who are providing services,” she said.

The bill has to pass through the appropriations committee first, then it will go to the floor before a vote late this week or early next week. It is likely to pass.